Responding to 17+8, the Government Ensures Further Strengthening of Workers’ Protection and Rights
By: Wahyu Bima Prasetyo
The government under President Prabowo Subianto has increasingly emphasized its commitment to strengthening the protection and rights of workers through various concrete steps that address public demands. The mass action in May 2025 and subsequent wave of demonstrations highlighted the people’s 17+8 aspirations, most of which came from labor groups.
These aspirations are not merely a list of demands, but rather a reflection of concerns about the employment system, which is still considered unfair. The government under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership is using this momentum as a stepping stone to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and overhaul of labor policies.
The 17+8 wave of demands presents several important issues: the elimination of the outsourcing system, accelerating the realization of living wages, the ratification of the Domestic Worker Protection Bill, and the establishment of a task force to prevent layoffs. Amidst these demands, the government has chosen the path of dialogue and the formulation of concrete policies to ensure that workers’ aspirations are not only heard but truly accommodated.
The government followed up with Government Regulation No. 6 of 2025, which introduced Job Loss Insurance. This regulation guarantees layoff victims receive 60 percent of their salary for six months, while also providing job training to develop new skills.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Manpower issued Ministerial Regulation No. 5 of 2025 concerning wage subsidies for low-income workers, and Ministerial Regulation No. 1 of 2025, which facilitates access to BPJS Ketenagakerjaan claims. These policies signal the government’s systematic steps to address workers’ concerns.
The Chairman of the National Economic Council, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, emphasized that global challenges force the government to prepare more adaptive policies. He emphasized that every regulation must have a direct impact on society, particularly in creating jobs and economic equality.
Luhut views deregulation as key to the dynamic development of labor-intensive sectors. This view demonstrates how the government is not only focused on protection but also encouraging the creation of a business ecosystem capable of absorbing a large workforce.
Corrective measures are also being taken in parliament. The Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, stated that his institution is seriously following up on public aspirations through concrete decisions.
The House of Representatives (DPR) has agreed to terminate housing allowances for DPR members starting in August 2025, while simultaneously imposing a moratorium on overseas working visits. The cuts to several DPR member facilities were implemented in direct response to public demands.
According to Dasco, this policy signals that public aspirations are not only being heard but also responded to with concrete steps. The DPR also emphasized the importance of transparency and public participation in every legislative process.
The government’s commitment to workers is further evident with the initiation of the establishment of the National Labor Welfare Council. President Prabowo emphasized that the new institution will be given ministerial-level legitimacy to serve as a strategic partner in formulating labor policies.
The President of the Confederation of All Indonesian Trade Unions, Andi Gani, views the establishment of the DKBN as a major step that will strengthen dialogue between workers, academics, and the government. He emphasized that the institution will establish a Layoff Task Force to respond to the wave of layoffs that is rampant in various industrial sectors.
According to Andi Gani, the DKBN structure allows for greater assurance of workers’ aspirations regarding housing, social security, and welfare. He believes the legitimacy of a ministerial-level institution demonstrates President Prabowo’s commitment to placing labor issues at the forefront of national development. This opinion aligns with public expectations, which have long sought an official forum with significant capacity to influence state policy.
The government has also demonstrated consistency with President Prabowo’s campaign promises. Support for the ratification of the Domestic Workers Bill (RUU PPRT), the abolition of the outsourcing system, and the recognition of Marsinah as a hero demonstrate the government’s commitment to recognizing the role of workers in the nation’s development.
Furthermore, the commitment to prevent the criminalization of demonstrators and provide space for independent investigative teams demonstrates the government’s commitment to upholding human rights and freedom of expression, which are protected by law.
